This method of trimming Half Square Triangles (HST) describes using a standard quilting ruler.
Steps to Trim Half Square Triangles (HST)
Step 1: Place the quilting ruler onto the HST, aligning the 45° line on the ruler with the 45° diagonal seam.
Step 2: Check that there is enough fabric to trim the HST down to the unfinished HST size. In the images the HST are being trimming to an unfinished size of 2 1⁄2" x 2 1⁄2". Trim the two edges.
Step 3: Turn the HST 180° and again, align the 45° line on the ruler with the diagonal seam. Check that the previously trimmed edges align to the unfinished HST size needed e.g. 2 1⁄2" x 2 1⁄2" marks on the ruler.
Step 4: Again trim the remaining two sides of the HST.
Quilting rulers specifically designed to trim HST such as the Half Square 4-in-1 Triangle Ruler by Creative Grids are also options. (Note: I am not affiliated with Creative Grids and I don’t sell these rulers. This is simply a ruler that I have found useful.)
Download your FREE copy of the HST Cheat Sheet. The cheat sheet includes a fabric cutting guide and step by step instructions.
Here are links to other topics relating to Half Square Triangles:
- How to make Half Square Triangles.
- 1 at a Time Method.
- 2 at a Time Method.
- 4 at a Time Method.
- 8 at a Time Method.
Looking for quilt patterns that use Half Square Triangles, then check out the following patterns:
